President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians, Muslims especially, to learn the virtue of patience even in the face of provocation, and peacefully coexist with people of other faiths, just like the Prophet Muhammad lived in his time.
The President made the appeal on Friday in his goodwill message to Muslims on the occasion of Maulud, to celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. The message was contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.
The President explained that “the prophet became famous for his life of humility, justice and fairness,” explaining that the Prophet demonstrated “a remarkable life of patience under provocation and honoured treaties with non-Muslims for peaceful coexistence.”
He, however, urged Muslims to “practice the noble and shining virtues of the Prophet”, saying that “the best way to honour him is to follow his good examples.”
According to President Buhari, “the Prophet attracted people to Islam through personal examples of honesty, trustworthiness, justice, patience and tolerance.”
President Buhari added that “honesty was one of Muhammad’s greatest virtues and every good Muslim should follow his examples.”
The President used the occasion to call on all Nigerians to join the government in on-going efforts to eradicate insecurity and corruption; to increase their respect for women, children and the less able; and to show love and understanding for one another.
He also urged politicians, in this season of elections, to avoid using expletives and cuss words, and to avoid the unwanted culture of demeaning and humiliating opponents.
The President promised again that he will ensure free, fair and transparent elections in 2023.